President Muhammadu Buhari joins the entire media industry and journalists in warmly congratulating veteran journalist, poet and author, Ben Lawrence, as he turns 80 on October 9th, 2016. Buhari felicitates with the family and friends of the renowned and fearless columnist, whose commitment to telling the truth through the pen, passion for promoting development communication and upholding the standards of journalism had earned him recognition and several awards.


As he turns 80, the President believes Lawrence’s vision of a pragmatic, responsive and agenda-setting media for the country should be upheld and pursued with vigour by all media professionals, who should always observe the irreplaceable tenets of accuracy, balance, fairness and proper attribution.

President Buhari commends the former Managing Editor of the Daily Times and Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors for always striking a delicate balance between his profession and the need to contribute to nation building, and providing mentorship to others. 

The President urges younger writers, especially citizen journalists and media entrepreneurs in the emerging cyber space, to borrow a leaf from veterans like Lawrence whose patriotism is unmistakable, and resolve remains unshakable, in ensuring that democracy and development work for every Nigerian.

He prays that the almighty God will grant the veteran journalist good health, longer life and strength to keep writing.